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Four months after the Yonkers mayor created three fire lieutenant positions to promote his cousin and two other firefighters, he eliminated five officer positions as part a budget-cutting move.

None of those promoted in February were demoted in the move, which was made despite the state kicking in funds to balance the city's $1.2 billion budget.

Charges of retaliation were levied by union officials, who said it was a move by Mayor Mike Spano to punish outspoken members of the department during the budget process.

The budget, which was adopted in early June, includes the demotion of a fire captain to lieutenant, which bumps a lieutenant to firefighter. That's in addition to four other lieutenants who will be demoted to the rank of firefighter.

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Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, talks about the up coming budget for the city, in the Mayor's conference room at City Hall, April 5, 2018. (Photo: Mark Vergari/The Journal News)

For the lieutenants, it would be about a 22 percent pay cut, according to the fire union. The demotions would take effect on July 1.

"There is clear evidence that the decision to demote six Yonkers Fire Officers on July 1 was not made for fiscal reasons, but rather out of a desperate and ill-conceived attempt to retaliate against me for statements I have made on behalf of my membership in my capacity as President of the Uniformed Fire Officers," John Flynn, president of the fire officers union, said in an email.

Flynn said his union was the only one who suffered cuts. Christina Gilmartin, a spokesperson for the mayor, didn't respond to an email asking if that was the case.

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Mayor Mike Spano promoted his cousin and 2 other firefighters to lieutenant without any vacancies and less than 12 hours before a four-year eligibility list expired, according to documents obtained by lohud.com.
Video by Christopher J. Eberhart/lohud
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"It's extremely demoralizing, and it's not just the money," Flynn said. "This has a chilling effect, not just on the those being demoted, but those who are in leadership positions. It gives leaders pause to make the right but unpopular decision if they think they can be demoted."

Overtime cited, again

Gilmartin said the demotions were a cost-cutting measure and the eliminated positions would be administrative posts, which included things like inspections, fire safety, fire prevention, among others, that aren't mandated in the contracts.

"In order to provide relief to Yonkers taxpayers, the administration is exploring various cost saving measures including restructuring city departments and reducing overtime," Gilmartin said in an emailed statement. "A plan is currently being developed by the administration on ways to alleviate costs throughout the city. A final determination will be made in the coming weeks."

When asked how much the city will save with this move, Gilmartin said calculations are still being made.

But saving on overtime costs was the same reason Fire Commissioner Robert Sweeney gave to the Journal News/lohud in February when the mayor's cousin and two other firefighters were promoted without any vacancies.

The rift between the union and Flynn started in April, when the mayor said layoffs would be necessary to balance the budget. Flynn responded with critical comments during a media interview, which Spano listened to and watched.

Flynn said Spano followed him into a public hallway, "invaded my personal space and engaged me a threatening tirade." The incident was documented in an email to the fire commissioner and the union's attorney.

Flynn said he continued to represent his union's interests at budget meetings and frequently spoke to the media.

"I can only conclude that innocent union members have been targeted in an attempt to retaliate against me for statements that I have made on behalf of my membership in my capacity as UFOA President," Flynn said.

Gilmartin didn't respond to an email asking if there was tension between Flynn and the mayor.

Flynn said the union's attorney is in the process of filing an improper practice charge against the city for the demotions.